How to identify Russet brittlegill

To correctly identify Russet brittlegill (Russula claroflava), check each of these features in order. Misidentification is the most common cause of mushroom poisoning, so cross-reference multiple sources.

Step-by-step identification

1. 1

   Cap

   Shape, color, surface texture, and diameter.

   4–10 cm in diameter, which is initially convex, but later flattens, sometimes becoming shallowly depressed. The cap is smooth, and yellow, ochre or orange in colour.

2. 2

   Gills

   Attachment to stem, color, and spacing.

   Adnexed, and pale cream.

3. 3

   Stem

   Length, shape, surface, and any ring.

   White, and measures 3–8 cm long by 1–2 cm thick.

4. 4

   Flesh

   Color, texture, and bruising reaction.

   White, and has a mild taste.

5. 5

   Fruiting body

   Overall growth pattern.

   The fruit body has a cap of 4–10 cm in diameter, which is initially convex, but later flattens, sometimes becoming shallowly depressed. The cap is smooth, and yellow, ochre or orange in colour. The gills are adnexed, and pale cream. The stipe is white, and measures 3–8 cm long by 1–2 cm thick. The flesh is white, and has a mild taste.

6. 6

   Habitat

   Where it grows and on what substrate.

   Wetlands, and birch and pine forests.

Key Facts

Cap surfaces

Smooth

Growth Form

Solitary or scattered

Spore Print

White to pale cream

Body color

Yellow, ochre or orange

Odor

Mild

Flesh bruises

Grayish

Height

3–8 cm

Cap Diameter

4–10 cm

Fruit body characteristics

• Gill attachment: Adnexed
• Stem shape: Cylindrical
• Stem surface: Smooth
• Ring: Absent
• Stem cross-section: Solid

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